AV Mahomed resigns from KZN Inter-Religious Council over alleged silence on Palestine crisis

Dr AV Mahomed, the chairperson of the Juma Musjid, announced his immediate resignation from the KwaZulu-Natal Inter-Religious Council over its alleged silence on the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. 

The council, of which Mahomed was a founding member, was launched in October 2007. It is a provincial body that brings together various faith groups to address social issues and promote interfaith dialogue. The council includes representatives from the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Bahai, African Traditional, and Nazareth Baptist faiths.

Mahomed, who resigned on Sunday, said the alleged dormant state of the council during the past four to six years had been laid bare by its inaction and indifference, particularly regarding the atrocities in Gaza. 

“It is shameful that an institution claiming to represent religious leadership can remain silent in the face of such blatant inhumanity. How can we purport to uphold divine values, while ignoring the suffering of our fellow human beings? This is not just a failure of leadership but a betrayal of faith itself.  

“After 69 years of humanitarian work, I refuse to associate with an organisation that has shown such profound disregard for justice and compassion. The council's paralysis, whether due to fear, indifference, or complicity, has rendered it irrelevant in the fight for humanity. Despite raising this issue directly, the only response was a cordial, yet empty engagement by (members) Brother Ian Booth and Sister Ela Gandhi, with no meaningful acknowledgment,” he said. 

Mahomed added that his resignation was not a statement of religious discord, but was instead a profound moral stance. 

“I am known around the world as a humanitarian, so I cannot associate myself with people who are afraid to make comments on such urgent humanitarian issues. The narrative surrounding Palestine transcends religion and politics. It's fundamentally about human rights and the duty we have to condemn the starvation of fellow human beings.”

In response to Mahomed’s resignation, the council, in a statement to the POST, expressed “deep regret and gratitude” for Mahomed's many years of tireless service.

“As a founding member, his contribution to interfaith dialogue and social cohesion in the province have been invaluable.”

The statement said while the council recognised Mahomed’s “frustrations and concerns”, it remained committed to its founding mandate of promoting peace, unity, and the well-being of all in KwaZulu-Natal through collaboration among diverse faith communities. 

“While Covid-19 slowed down activities, the council has engaged in multiple online or in-person activities in response to the various crises faced by our communities, including social unrest, floods and Covid-19. The council continues to function as a voluntary body, currently engaged in initiatives such as the forthcoming provincial interfaith summit.

“We affirm our collective concern for global humanitarian crises, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and advocate for peace, the protection of human life, release of those held in captivity and the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid. Though our approaches may differ, our shared values compel us to stand for justice, compassion, and unity.”

The council said it wished Mahomed well in his future endeavours. 

“The council remains steadfast in its mission to build relationships, promote peace and serve our communities through interfaith cooperation and mutual respect.”

THE POST